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IND → MSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Indianapolis International Airport (Indianapolis) to Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the winner for this route as it offers the most dramatic views of the Mississippi River valley and the Minneapolis city skyline during the final descent into MSP.
Wabash River
Visible shortly after takeoff, this major waterway snakes through the Indiana countryside near Lafayette.
Illinois-Iowa Farmlands
The intricate geometric patterns of the Midwest's agricultural heartland are highly visible mid-flight.
Upper Mississippi Refuge
Aerial views of the vast wetlands and islands that form a critical migratory bird path along the river.
Lake Pepin
A natural widening of the Mississippi River, this beautiful body of water is a highlight during the descent.
Minneapolis Skyline
Depending on the wind and landing pattern, the skyscrapers of downtown Minneapolis often appear on the left.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct eastern sun. Watch for the dramatic shift from flat plains to the rolling 'Driftless Area' terrain as you enter Minnesota. During winter, look for ice fishing houses appearing as tiny dots on the frozen Mississippi River.
Chicago Distance View
On clear days, the distant silhouette of the Chicago skyline and the southern tip of Lake Michigan can be seen to the east.
Madison Isthmus
A clear view of the Wisconsin State Capitol situated on the narrow strip of land between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.
Wisconsin Driftless Area
Rugged, unglaciated terrain featuring deep valleys and high ridges that contrast sharply with the surrounding plains.
St. Croix River
The scenic border between Wisconsin and Minnesota is visible just before the final approach into the Twin Cities.
Downtown St. Paul
The smaller but historic skyline of Minnesota's capital city often passes by on the right side during landing.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the western horizon. If the plane approaches MSP from the north, the right side may get a better view of the suburban chain of lakes that define the Twin Cities metro area.
Distance: 808 km (502 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: IND (39.7173, -86.294403)
Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Route Type: Domestic
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